Identify the family pathway
Review the relationship and principal applicant or sponsor’s immigration position.
← United States visa servicesUnited States · Family & dependent visa
Dependent Visa (F-2)
A dependent visa category for the eligible spouse and children of an F-1 student. The family application is linked to the principal student’s status.
Start with a clear understanding of your route and next steps.
YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS WITH A PLANUNDERSTAND THE ROUTE
Overview
Family applications connect the circumstances of the applicant with those of a principal applicant or sponsor. Relationship records, sponsor status and the intended living arrangements help identify what evidence needs to be prepared.
Important for this category
Read the official government guidance ↗Dependent status has its own conditions. Check the official rules on study and employment rather than assuming the F-1 permissions also apply.
IS THIS THE RIGHT ROUTE?
Eligibility topics to review
Your eligibility depends on the official rules and your circumstances. Start by reviewing these topics.
- Whether the relationship falls within this route’s recognised family categories
- The sponsor or principal applicant’s status and applicable requirements
- Any financial, accommodation or other evidence required for the selected route
GET ORGANISED
Preparation checklist
Bring an outline of the following information to your consultation. These are planning examples, not a complete application checklist.
- Relationship evidence
- Sponsor’s identity and immigration status
- Accommodation and financial arrangements
- Dependent Form I-20 and principal student records
Share sensitive documents only through an agreed secure process.
A CLEAR APPLICATION PLAN
How the process works
Understand each stage and the information you need before moving forward.
Organise linked records
Plan relationship evidence and the sponsor or principal applicant documents needed for the application.
Prepare the family application
Check whether applications are linked and what submission or appointment steps apply.
Review the dependant or family conditions
Check the specific permissions for work, study and residence rather than assuming they match the sponsor’s.
WHY GLOBAL OUTSET?Focused preparation.
Focused preparation.
Support at every step.
Discuss the support you need and agree its scope before proceeding.
Document planning
Organise your application information against the relevant official checklist.
Application preparation
Discuss the forms, evidence and submission steps that need attention.
Interview preparation
Prepare to explain your circumstances clearly where an interview is required.
Next-step planning
Discuss the actions following a decision, including study or travel preparation where relevant.
KEEP THE INFORMATION HANDY
Your visa planning guide
Download an overview, consultation checklist and application-stage guide for Dependent Visa (F-2). Use it to organise your questions before speaking to us.
Download planning guide ↓Printable HTML document. Open it in your browser to print or save as PDF.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you proceed
Clear information helps you plan with confidence.
Will a dependant have the same permissions as the main applicant?+
Not necessarily. Family or dependant permission has its own conditions. Use the official guidance to check study and employment rights.
What are the fees and processing times?+
Check the current government fees and processing guidance at the official link above. Consultancy charges, if applicable, are agreed separately after discussing the scope of support.
Does an enquiry submit my visa application?+
No. Your enquiry starts a discussion with Global Outset. An application is submitted separately through the relevant authority’s process.
Can visa approval be guaranteed?+
No. The relevant government authority makes the decision. Preparation support cannot guarantee approval, selection or a particular processing time.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact our team →Let’s discuss your next steps.
Tell us about your plans for United States and the preparation you need.